7 replies to this topic

[toson1911]

Hi Everyone,
I have a subaru liberty gen 3 in desperate need of a full system upgrade! No i don't quite have a budget, but listening to good music is a great passion of mine. I have done somewhat, quite a bit of research, but there is never to much. This is what i have come up with. Any advice or opinions are welcome

- Pioneer AVH P8450BT (when it comes out in Australia)
- JL Audio C5 650 splits
- JL Audio C5 650x coaxials
- JL Audio XD 700 watt 5ch amp
- JL Audio W3v34 Subwoofer

Should i go a bigger amp to the JL Audio HD 900 5ch, or should i go with 2 separate amp, a 4ch for speakers and a monoblock for sub?

What are peoples opinions on this setup? i am after a smooth, clear, and quality system.

Thanks
Alex

[shiny_car]

"Should" is such a definitive term, it really therefore depends on all your priorities. Alternatively, you could go for 7 fullrange monoblocks, one for each driver!

If you have the space, I would go for as many separate amps as possible, for best performance, and mixing/matching power outputs. So, a 2-channel for the fronts, or 4-channel if you end up going active/semi-active/bi-amp. Then another 2-channel for the rears, and monoblock for the sub. That's presuming rear speakers are a priority, say for rear passengers.

For best staging/imaging, I wouldn't bother wire rears at all. Put that money towards better front speakers, or a digital processor, or other option. It really depends on the budget, but my ideal basic system would be:
*HU
*2-way 6.5" splits
*12" sub
*2-/4-channel amp
*monoblock
*digital processor

[toson1911]

What does a digital processor actually do, with everything that have read, im still a little unsure, on what exactly it does.

[Hez]

Having owned the JL C5's I can tell you they are a very warm sounding speaker. But I've found after getting more into SQ and car audio itself there are plenty of better choices out there.

For best staging/imaging, I wouldn't bother wire rears at all. Put that money towards better front speakers, or a digital processor, or other option. It really depends on the budget, but my ideal basic system would be:
*HU
*2-way 6.5" splits
*12" sub
*2-/4-channel amp
*monoblock
*digital processor

^ Shiny like usual is dead on the money.

There's plenty of brands to look at. ARC Audio, Morel, Focal, DLS, Dynaudio, Crescendo. Just to name a few. It's all up to YOUR ears.
Mixing and matching brands isn't a bad thing, just remember that.

Unless you are completely keen on the JL C5's, I'd try and listen to as many speakers as you can.

With a processor it gives the ability to control the frequencies which your speakers play, adjust time alignment so it doesn't sound like the sound is coming from your doors but in front of you, just to mention a few.

Edited by Hez, 27 March 2012 - 07:01 PM.

[toson1911]

It's not that im, completely keen on the JL C5's, i have heard them and i do like them! ive looked into focals, only a tiny bit.. i dono i think they are bit pricey honestly. unless you know something that u would recommend?

Do you know any places where i can actually go to hear some of those branded speakers in sydney?

With the processor? as im getting a new headunit, is it really neccessary to have it?

[shiny_car]

A good processor won't make a poorly installed system sound good, but it can take a properly installed system to new level. Unlike home audio, the car environment is so harsh and the accoustics are unpredicatble. A processor can help overcome some of the acoustic problems you face. In particular, you can have time correction, an EQ (eg: 31-band graphic EQ), and fully adjustable crossovers. If these things mean nothing to you, then you probably don't need one - or at least, not straight up.

Probably worth a visit to Fhrx Studios. Have a listen to what they have on offer at your budget. You might like Hertz or Crescendo or DLS, etc.

[Hez]

DLS range are very warm sounding speakers in my experience. I'm in love with them.

I take it you heard the JL's at JBHIFI? In that case they are probably the best speaker they have in a demo board, so it will sound the best.

[toson1911]

yes planning to go to lifestyle store tomoro, and fhrx studios. also heard that there is a good car audio place in mcgraths hill. I actually head the JL's at Soundmaster at granville, and they compared the C2, C3, and C5's for me. Then one bloke had gotten a steup with C5's splits and C2 coxails, and offeredme to listen to it in his car, not running off an amp, with the sub of a kenwood amp. they sounded pretty good, so i thought that they must sound even better off an amp. but yes i will go to a few more stores and listen to more speakers and talk to more professionals. i'm still keen to do the instal my self but, i think as long as i take my time and make sure each connection is done 110% (plus im a perfectionist, so i am very picky about everything) i think everything will be fin, neat, and should be a good install.